Struggling to find aftermarket wheels I really like. Am I alone?

[Savethemanuals]

My 5BW came with the factory graphite wheels. While I don’t mind them, I’d like to get a set of wheels when it’s time to replace the tires. Mainly would like to see the brake calipers/rotors more since the ccb’s look great imo but hidden behind all the spokes. I like the tech bronze look on Radiant red cars but the OEM wheel also has many spokes. Not sure about 19 vs 20s but worried 20s would negatively impact the current sublime ride quality of the car. Def don’t want to lower due to this. Saving some weight would be a bonus.

All of this to say- can’t find a wheel that I like enough to “save for later”. Never had this issue with previous (mostly German) cars. I know looks are subjective but am I alone?? Felt like the BBS FI-R/evo type design would’ve checked the box but not loving similar designs from other wheel manufacturers on our cars thus far. Feedback/wheel suggestions all welcome! Thanks.

 

[ngoni]

In my humble opinion, Apex makes the best wheels for Blackwings and they have hands down the best support. They can get you into a direct replacement set that fits the stock tires or they have the experience to get you into whatever type of fitment/look you're going for.

 

[piranha971]

Apex. Great quality for the price and blackwing sized off the shelf options.

 

[Bald Guy]

I would go for alternative OEM options and maybe some takeoff wheels for sale in the for sale section of this forum. I usually like BBS and Enkei but I think they are more JDM. You can also use tire racks configurator to play around to see which one would fit your vehicle appropriately and give you some better ideas. I think some of the wheel and tire vendors of this forum may have some options available for you as well if you want to reach out. If you can't find enough vendors or any vendors over here, you can check out the Corvette forum and reach out to some over there.

Good luck.

 

[Bald Guy]

How about this?

 

[hawk02]

OP, I’m right there with you.

My BW also came with the factory graphite wheels. They’re not terrible, but I’ve been itching to swap them out for something that shows off the calipers more, is easier to clean, and comes in a proper bronze finish.

I’ve seriously considered the OEM Tech Bronze wheels, but my biggest hang-up is the color. They just aren’t bronze enough—they can look really washed out depending on the lighting, which kind of defeats the purpose.

I’ve ruled out 20-inch wheels since I don’t want the extra weight. The BW is already heavy as it is, and I’d rather not make that worse.

On my ZL1 and C8, I ran HRE FlowForm FF04s and FF11s and loved them, but unfortunately, they don’t make sizes that fit the BW. I do like the Apex VS-5RS, but they aren’t available in Motorsport Gold or Satin Bronze, which is a dealbreaker for me.

So here I am—money in hand, but no wheels that check all the boxes.

 

[Dadillac]

Might just be me but I've never really cared for aftermarket wheels on most cars. They just look out of place

 

[DCV]

Forgelines all the way.

 

[alloy00]

I've always been really happy with BC Forged. I have a great distributor contact that's helped with final decisions.

 

[1Evil55]

Another vote here for Apex.

 

[hawk02]

Might just be me but I've never really cared for aftermarket wheels on most cars. They just look out of place

The factory wheel choices for the C8 Stingray are, in my opinion, horrendous. There are some okay choices for the other models but Stingray choices are bad.

My C8 went from this (OEM base wheels)

to this.

Went with HRE Flowform FF11. Completely changed the car’s attitude — way more aggressive and finally looks like it should’ve from the factory. Too bad HRE Flowforms aren't available for the Blackwings

 

[1Evil55]

Might just be me but I've never really cared for aftermarket wheels on most cars. They just look out of place

I've never owned a vehicle I didn't change the wheels for aftermarket. To me they make the biggest appearance difference for every car. Stock sucks.

 

[shbox]

Terrance at Signature Wheel makes some you might consider and he is a supporting vendor of this forum. His ad is on the right panel.

 

[piranha971]

I've never owned a vehicle I didn't change the wheels for aftermarket. To me they make the biggest appearance difference for every car. Stock sucks.

Second that. Always replace wheels. Stock usually sucks.
Even the tech bronze that most people love. My wife and I looked at them when I brought the car home. Nope.

 

[1Evil55]

Eactly why I'm cruising the Apex's today. Bronze will go on when I see the first salt truck.